Automobile control



Oct. 29, 1929. E. RUSSELL ET AL AUTOMOB ILE CONTROL Filed March 15, 1928 50 While the control means is illustrated Patented Oct. 29, 1929 UNITEDY STATES PATENT oFFic LINUS E. EUssELn Ann GEORGE E. PETERS, F srnmermnn, 01110 p v AUTOMOBILE CONTROL Application filed March 15, 1928. Serial No. 261,953.

Our invention relates to motor vehicle control devices and more particularly to the association of a motor starter switch operating plunger, and a carburetor choke operating plunger in intimate relation so as to be simultaneously within the convenient onehanded grasp of the driver.

Its purpose is to locate the carburetor condash or cowl board. A new model of a popular motor vehicle recently introduced embodies features especially adapted for operation by the present control means. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to this particular style of vehicle, but is applicable to vehicles of other manufacture. \Vhile the new model vehicle mentioned has the starter located on one side of the motor and the carburetor upon the opposite sideof the motor, the control means forming the subject matter thereof is not dependent upon this relation of these parts, but is equally applicable to other assemblies wherein the starter may be located either in advance of or to the rear of the carburetor and upon the same side. Such variation would necessiate only minor changes of proportion and not changes of principle, function or operation illustrated in the drawing. While the preferred form of control consists of two inde- 740 pendently operable plungers concentrically arranged whereby one is telescopically slidable within the other, the plungers might be mounted in lieu thereof side by side, the real objectivebeing to so position them that the operator may manipulate them simultaneously or independently with one hand within the grasp of which both the controls are simultaneouslyv contained so that it is not necessary to shiftthe hand from one to the o(t1hder.

an escribed as mounted upon the steering post it may in lieu thereof be mounted upon the dash or any other sufiiciently rigid portion of the vehicle.

In the new model of vehicle referred to the motor is equipped with an electric starter located on the left side of the machine, and operated by a depressible switch, plunger for closing the electrical circuit between the battery and starter. This starter switch plunger is connected with a depressible foot pedal located in an extreme position far forward beneath the dash or cowl board and at the top of the forwardly and upwardly inclined foot board of the vehicle body, where it is inconvenient and not'easily accessible, especially for operation by women or persons of small size, who cannot comfortably and easily reach such distance without change of their position upon thescat.

In this model of vehicle the carburetor is located on opposite side of the motor from the elctric starter and the carburetor choke device'is controlled by a rod extending upwardly and rearwardly into the vehicle body beneath the cowl board in a position far to the right of the driver and in front of the passengers position upon the seat so that the driver must lean far to the right *in order to reach the choke control rod. I

The purpose ofthe present invention is to increase the safety and facilitate the opera- 7 tion of the starter and choke control devices by bringing these devices close together in intimate relation in easy reach of the drivers hand. The relation is such that the driver will have the starter control device and the choke control plunger simultaneously with-' in his grasp in one 'hand without change of position, while maintaining perfect control of the steering wheel with the other hand. To this end two concentric telescopically adjustable plungers are mounted in parallel relation beside the steering wheel post and preferably, though not necessarily, secured thereto.

One of these plungers, preferably the outer tubular member is provided with a lateral arm extending intooperative engagement with the starter switch plunger in lieu of the depressible foot pedal which is removed from the machine. The second plunger operating interiorly of the starter switch plunger is connected at its lower end through a flexible Bowden wire operator with the choke op erator arm of the carburetor at the opposite side of the motor, about which the flexible Bowden wire connection extends.

The object of the invention is to simplify the construction, as well as the means and mode of operation of vehicle motor control devices, whereby they will not only be cheapened in construction, but will be more efiicient in use, positive in operation, uniform in action, easily operated and unhkely to getout of repair.

A further and important object of the present invention is A to locate the motor starter and choke control devices within easy reach of the driver, in order that these devices may bemanipulated while maintaining normal driving position and perfect control of the steering wheel.

A further object of the invention is to provide motor control devices which will be independently operable, simple in construction and capable of being readily and qulckly applied to existing machines with minimum change and without reconstruction or rearrangement of parts.

With the above primary and other incidental objects in view, as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation, or their equivalents, as hereinafter described and set forth in the claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein isshown the preferred, but obviously notnecessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention, Fig. l is a side elevation of the vehicle motor of a new model of popular vehicle, together with the steering post and wheel, showing the relative position of the motor control means forming the subject matter hereof. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the opposite side of the vehicle motor showing the location of the carburetor and the connection of the control means with the carburetor choke operating member. Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view of the motor starter switch as found upon the vehicle referred to. Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the control means forming the subject matter hereof. Fig. 5 is a detail view of a modificaa tion. Fig. 6 is a detail view of a further modification. Fig. 7 is a detail view of the mounting guide.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

In the accompanying drawings, 1 indicates the vehicle motor, beside which is located an electric starter 2, surmounted by a starter switch box 3. Within the switch box 3 is located a flexible contact blade 4 pressed into engagement with a starter contact 5 by a depressible plunger 6 extending through the top of the switch box 3 and into'the path of movement of which the contact blade projects. Normally the switch opera-ting plung- -er 6 is connected to and o erated by a demoved, and there is provided in lieu thereof,

a tubular plunger 8 of greater length, which for convenience is mounted upon the steering post 9 of the motor vehicle. At the present time the steering post of the new model vehicle referred to is supported near its upper end with a split collar attached to the cowl board or dash of the vehicle. As a convenient and economical method of mounting the starter plunger 8, one of the bolts securing the split collar 10 supporting the steering post is utilized for attaching to such collar a short bar 11 having thereon a guide collar 12 through which the tubular plunger 8 reciprocates. Secured to the steering post 9 adjacent its lower end and beside the electric starter 3 is a mounting sleeve 13 having a bracket arm 14 to be clamped to the steering post 9. This mounting or guide sleeve 13 is counterbored and receives the lower end of the reciprocatory plunger 8. There is preferably mounted within the counterbore of the sleeve 13 a helical spring 15, against the tension of which the tubular plunger 8 is depressible and which will return the plunger when the latter is released. Fixedly secured upon the tubular depressible plunger 8 is a laterally extending arm 16 having operative engagement with the starter switch plunger 6. In the original construction the pedal push rod7 enters a. socket or recess in the end of the switch plunger 6 where it is secured by a transverse cotter pin. The same cotter pin connection is utilized for securing the arm 16 of the manually operable plunger 8. This arm 16 is provided near its extremity with a short stud 17: secured to the arm 16 by riveting or otherwlse. hole to receive the cotter pin 18 extending through the upper end of the plunger 6 by which such plunger was originally connected with the pedal p'ush rod 7. The tubular plunger 8 is provided at its upper end with an enlarged head 19, which may be conveniently grasped by the operator. This plunger 8 extends within convenient distance of the steer- Such stud has therein a transverse.

ing wheel at the upper end of the post 9, and may therefore be easily reached by the driver while maintaining firm and secure grasp upon the steering wheel. Upon depressing the tubular plunger 8 the arm 16 operates to depress the switch plunger 6 and thereby effect contact of the flexible blade 4 with the contact 5 of the starter 3 to set the motor 1 in operation.

Enclosed within the tubular plunger 8 and capable of independent reciprocatory movement therein is a second plunger 20 having at its upper end a button or knob 21 located but a short distance beyond the head or enlargement 19 of the tubular plunger 8; The relation of the plunger heads 19 and 21 is such that the driver may have both such plunger heads simultaneously within his grasp. The inner plunger 20 extends through the tubular plunger 8 and is received within; the reduced bore of the guide sleeve 13. At its lower end the plunger 20 is connected with the reciprocatory wire 22 of a Bowden wire operator which is connected with the carburetor'chok'e member at the opposite side of the motor 1. This'Bowden wire operator consists of a flexible tubular casing or guidetube 23 fixedly secured to the lower end of the mounting guide 13 and extending thence about the motor 1 to its opposite side where the guide tube 23 is secured by a clamp member 24 to the carburetor 25. The flexible operator wire 22 extends through the guide tube 23 and is connected at its end with a rock arm 26 connected to and controlling the choke valve of the carburetor. The reciprocation of the inner plunger 20 within the tubular plunger 8 serves to reciprocate the flexible wire 22in unison therewith. By such to and fro movement it serves to operate the choke of the carburetor.

As originally manufactured, the choke valve of the carburetor 25 is controlled by a short lever indicated at 27 by dotted lines in Fig. 2, which has operative engagement with a reciprocatory rod 28 extending upwardly and rearwardly to a position beneath the dash or cowl of the vehicle, but at the extreme right and in front of the passenger riding beside the driver, where'it is inconvenient to reach, and necessitates a distorted position in which the driver cannot retain perfect control of the steering wheel. In applying the present device, the original choke operator arm 27 is removed and the dependent roc'k arm 26v is substituted therefor. The end of the flexible operator wire 22 is secured in a stud 29 journalled in the end of the rock arm 26.

In the ordinary operation the inner plunger 20 is drawn upwardly, thereby pulling upon the flexible transmission wire 22 to oscillate the rock arm 26 of the carburetor forwardly, and thereby close the choke valve to afi'ord a more rich mixture of fuel when start ing the motor 1. The driver then depresses the tubular plunger 8, the head 19 of which is immediately beneath his fingers when operating the choke plunger 20. The depression of the tubular plunger is transmitted to the starter switch plunger 6 to close the switch 4-5 and set the motor 1 in operation. Upon release of the tubular plunger 8 it is 'imme The normal choke control rod 28 supplied by the manufacturer is not removed from the machine since it is also utilized to control the needle valve of the carburtor, but it is disconnected from the carburetor choke means by the removal of the short interconnecting arm 27 indicated by dotted lines in Fig.2.

Under some circumstances it may be dcsirable to reverse the operation of the switch plunger or the choke operating arm. Or conversely, it may be desirable to operate these parts by pulling upwardly on the plunger 8 and depress the choke plunger 20. To this end these plungers may be connected with their respective operated devices through an intermediate rocking lever of the walking beam type as shownin the modification Figs. 5 and 6. In Fig. 5 the lower end of the inner plunger 20 is connected with a rocking lever 30 pivoted upon a supporting:

bracket 31, the opposite end of which is connected by a reciprocating'stem 32 with the transmission wire 22. Obviously, the reciprocation of the plunger 20 will effect a unison movement of the transmission wire 22, but in reverse direction. This arrangement may be desirable in the event that it is expedient, to carry the flexible Bowden wire transmission device about the rear end of the motor 1, in?

stead of around the front of the motor as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In Fig. 6 the same lar plunger 8 to depress the switch plunger 6 the plunger 8 will be drawn upwardly to effect such depression and operation of the starter switch. I

The present control means greatly facilitates the operation of the-vehicle since itrequires but one hand of the driver to operate both controls, leaving both feet and the other hand free for the operation of other control devices and the steering of the vehicle. This is of material advanta e, especially when a vehicle stalls upon a hilor in congested traific. When afoot pedal is used for operating the starter and the carburetor control is located on the. dash or cowl it requires the operation of both a hand and a foot, and in those instances where the starter has been located upon the dash or cowl they have ordinarily been located so far apart as to require twohand manipulation or the shifting of the drivers hand from one to another which cannot always be done at a critical moment. By placing both controls within the grasp of the drivrr's hands simultaneously they are ready for instant operation as may be required in emergency or when starting a stalledmotor under adverse conditions. 4

Cross reference is made to applicants companion applications Ser. No. 283,988, filed June 8. 1928; Ser. No. 302,819, filed Aug. 29, 1928; Ser. No. 306,543, filed Sept 17, 1928; Ser. No. 308.289, filed Sept. 25, 1928; and Ser. No. 317,467, filed Nov. 5, 1928.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a construction of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions and arrangement of parts, without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention is described in language more or less specific as to structural features it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise the preferred form of several modes of putting the invention into efi'ect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. Ina construction of the character described, the combination with a steering wheel post, of a motor vehicle, of a tubular reciprocatory plunger supported thereon, a second plunger mounted for reciprocatory movement inside the first mentioned plunger, a starter switch controlled by one of said plungers, and a carburetor adjustment controlled by the other plunger.

2. In a construction of the character described, a pair of manually adjustable plungers located in proximate relation with each other on a vehicle steering post to be simultaneously within reach of the driver, a motor starter switch, a motor carburetor adjusting member and operative connections between one of the plun ers and the starter switch and between the ot er plunger and the carburetor adjusting device.

3. In a construction of the character de scribed, a pair of independently operable telescopic plungers, a motor starting switch, a motor carburetor adjusting member, and operative connections between one of the plungers and the starting switch and between the other plunger and the carburetor adjusting member.

4. The combination with a vehicle motor having a depressible starter switch plun er and a carburetor choke operator, of a tufiular plunger, an arm carried by the plunger having operative engagement with the depressible starter switch plunger, and a second plunger slidingly mounted within the tubular plunger, and a Bowden wire connection between said second plunger and the carburetor choke operator. 7

5. The combination with a vehicle motor having a starting switch provided with a depressible plunger, and with the steering wheel post of such vehicle, of a reciprocatory manually operable plunger extending parallel with the steering wheel post in closely adjacent relation thereto, and a laterally extending arm carried by the plunger having operative engagement with the starter switch plunger of the motor.

6. The combination with a vehicle motor having a starter switch and a carburetor choke operator and with the steering wheel post of such vehicle, of a pair of independently operable plungers mounted upon the steering wheel post within easy reach of the driver for manual manipulation, an operative connection between one of the plungers and the starter switch, and a connecton between the other plunger and the carburetor choke operator.

7. The combination with a vehicle motor having a starter switch and a carburetor choke operator and with the steering wheel post of such vehicle, of a pair of concentric telescopically arranged and independently operable plungers mounted upon the steering wheel post, within easy reach of the driver for manual manipulation, an operative connection between one of the plungers and the starter switch and a connection between the other plunger and the carburetor. choke operator.

8. The combination with a motor, a starter therefor, and a carburetor having means for varying the fuel mixture of a control device for the starter and a control device for the carburetor mounted in such proximate relation to each other that they may be simultaneously graspedwithin one hand of the operator.

9. In combination with a vehiclemotor including a starter switch and a carburetor control element, of a pair of concentric telescopically arranged and independently operable reciprocatory 'plungers mounted within. easy reach of the driver for manual manipulation, an operative connection between one of the plungers and the starter switch, a connection between other plunger and thecarburetor control element and. supporting means for the reciprocatory plungers.

10. The combination with a vehicle'motor including:- a starter switch and a carburetor control element, of a tubular reciprocatOr;

plunger and a second plunger mounted for reciprocatory movement within the firstmentioned plunger, an operative connection between one ofthe plung'ers and-the starter switch and an operative connection between and a separate operative connection between the other control element and'the carburetor adjusting means. 7 In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this 9th LINUS E. RUSSELL. GEORGE E. PETERS.

day of March, .A. n. 192s. 

